Penn State Extension Master Gardeners are offering a Winter Gardening Series of how-to topics for area gardeners on four consecutive Thursday evenings in February and March at the Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Bern Township.
All classes will be held in the Ag Center Auditorium from 7-9 p.m.
“There’s no better cure for cabin fever than planning for spring gardening,” said Beth Finlay, coordinator for the Master Gardener Program in Berks County. “The Winter Gardening Series is a chance to jump-start the garden season, hone skills, learn new techniques and lay plans for your healthiest, most enjoyable gardens ever.”
On Feb. 8, Master Gardeners Karen George and Martey Costello will present “A Gardener’s Calendar for Winter and Spring,” a monthly outline to plan, prepare and maintain your garden. This class is a guide to what to do and when to do it for your vegetables, annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and lawns to have a prolific gardening season. A session covering summer and fall months will be presented in our Spring Gardening Series in April.
On Feb. 15, “Water-wise Gardening and Stewardship in Home Gardens” will tackle water use and conservation and smart approaches to protecting both plants and the environment. Penn State Master Watershed Stewards will team with Master Gardeners to discuss rain gardens, rain barrels, plant groupings and proven watering techniques.
The class on Feb. 22 will be a “Focus on Vegetables,” tips and techniques for growing vegetables in home gardens, landscapes and containers. Master Gardener Pat Magala will start the session with a general discussion of seed selection, seed starting and vegetable families. Then participants will spend time at in-depth learning stations on raised beds and vertical gardening; tomatoes and peppers, container growing, vegetables in the landscape; and seed starting and transplanting.
On March 1, “Rethinking Your Landscape” will help participants take a critical look at their home plantings to decide what can be removed, replaced or rejuvenated. Landscape plantings have a life cycle, and some plants simply outgrow their appeal. If a yard or garden is in need of a face-lift, Master Gardeners can offer remedies for overgrown, outdated and aging plantings.
Participants may choose individual classes or may register for the whole series. Class sizes are limited to permit hands-on learning and time for discussion.
Registration is required, with a class fee of $10 per person per class. Register online at extension.psu.edu/shopby/workshops, or by phone, 877-345-0691.
